Since its founding in 1987, Need in Deed’s mission has been to prepare youth for civic responsibility and service to others, enabling young people to become capable, contributing members of their community. Working primarily in Philadelphia public schools, we use our My Voice service-learning framework to help students make positive and productive connections between classroom academics and real world experiences.

This way, students gain an understanding of the practical applications of the subjects being taught in the classroom and adults recognize the valuable contributions young people can make toward addressing problems in their communities.

For an update on more recent accomplishments, please visit Evolving News.

• Research focused on our work and funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for the School District of Philadelphia revealed that students participating in Need in Deed service-learning projects were more engaged in school than comparison groups. Students also demonstrated a marked increase in problem-solving skills and were more aware of issues and resources in their communities.
• Need in Deed was selected by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations to receive their Human Rights Award for a Nonprofit Organization in recognition of work with students on issues of injustice and civil rights.
• Need in Deed is part of an advisory group working with the School District of Philadelphia to develop an infrastructure to support the district-wide integration of service-learning.
• A Need In Deed guided project on youth gun violence was featured during a segment on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition program.
• Need in Deed staff and teachers have presented at the National Service-Learning Conference, have led professional development sessions for the School District of Philadelphia and have had articles published in professional journals.